Previous reports said the BBC Maryland, hauling about 12,000 tonnes of thermal coal from Australia's Newcastle terminal, was headed to Vung Tau in Vietnam after waiting five days without unloading at the eastern Chinese port of Changshu. The ship's diversion is the first sign that the resumption of Chinese coal imports from Australia is not going smoothly.
 
According to Xinde Marine News' acquired information, that news should be false.
 
BBC Maryland's ship data shows it is a general cargo ship. Normally, it would not be used to transport coal.
 
BBC Maryland's AIS information shows that after leaving Newcastle on Jan 25, the BBC Maryland in ballast arrived at Changshu Port on Feb 10. The purpose of arrival at the port was load steel cargo.

BBC Maryland at Changshu Port

The local agent told the Xinde Marine News, "The BBC Maryland, IMO 9433298, docked at Xinghua 2 Wharf at 19:00 on February 10. There were 16 foreign crews on board. The ship loaded 676 tons of steel at Changshu port. The next port is Vung Tau in Vietnam." BBC Maryland had a draft of 6.2 meters when it left Australia and 6.0 meters after it left Changshu.
 
According to Global Times, customs clearance and other import procedures are taking place in an orderly manner after the first batch of Australian coking coal arrived at a port in South China's Zhanjiang on February 8. More Australian coal is expected to come later.
 
It is part of the 500,000 tons of Australian coking coal to China, which is coming in several batches. Three or four ships will be loaded at Australian ports and are expected to arrive in February and March. All these goods will be sent to China's largest steel company, China Baowu Steel Group Co (Baowu).
 
Chairman of Baowu said that Baowu is looking to benefit from efforts to repair trade relations between China and Australia.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.